by Karen Klyne
“I love you,” Reece whispered against her neck, and then brushed her lips over Alex’s, one of the most sensual kisses she’d ever experienced, one that made her knees weak. Reece pulled back and looked into Alex’s eyes. “And that’s my song to you.”
Nobody had ever dedicated a song to her before and she was lost for words, though she came up with a few. “It’s a beautiful song. Thank you.” It almost sounded like an ultimatum…like the ball was now in her court. She guessed it was. One thing frightened her though; was Reece really experiencing these feelings for her or was she rekindling her old love? That was a discussion they’d have to have at some point. She’d learned so much about herself, and she did see her future here, but she wasn’t prepared to commit herself until she had answers. And now wasn’t the time.
They stayed for a while, and then Reece got a text to say their taxi was outside. They said their farewells to everyone, and Cindy and Angie walked them to the door.
Angie hugged Alex. “Dinner here in a couple of weeks?”
Alex nodded. “ so much for the terrific party. I really enjoyed it.”
Cindy kissed her on the cheek and then embraced Reece. “See you soon, buddy.”
Their taxi took them home, and when they arrived, the house was in darkness apart from the hall light. They climbed the stairs, and Reece stopped outside Alex’s door. For a moment, she thought she was waiting for an invite. It was too soon though, wasn’t it? She had far too much to think about. Reece leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips. A kiss that was tantalising and one that left her full of desire.
Reece stepped back. “Thank you for tonight. It was wonderful, and you looked incredible.” She turned around and walked to her own room and opened the door. She took one last glance. “Sleep well, Alex.”
“You too. Good night.”
Sleep wasn’t on her mind. The evening had left her with much to absorb. She undressed and got under the duvet and closed her eyes. She thought about the kiss and drifted off into the most beautiful dream.
Chapter Twenty-Three
A few weeks passed after Gemma’s meeting with Alex. At the time, it seemed like it had been the worst day of her life. She’d been distraught at the thought of losing everything she’d come to love in this new world. If Alex had made her go back, she couldn’t imagine what would have happened to her. She shuddered at the thought, and the whole event made her doubly appreciative of how lucky she was.
Of course, Reece hadn’t been thrilled to see her. Who could blame her? But all in all, she was glad it happened. She was sorry that Alex had gone through hell and was certain neither Reece nor Alex would ever forgive her. However, she was consoled by the fact they were clearly in love. They were happy, and so were the children.
One day their thoughts of Gemma would all be a distant blur. Deep down, she thought they’d thank her eventually in an odd sort of way. Their meeting had given them all closure. They could all get on with their lives without the past hanging over them, and Gemma’s guilt eased now that she knew how everything had turned out.
As for her life…she couldn’t ask for more. Her mum; yes, it was her mum, and nobody else was coming back to claim her as theirs. They were planning a trip around the British Isles in the spring. Of course, Jasper would be joining them. He was part of the family, and she loved having him sleep in her room every night. The deep, dark hole she’d existed in for so long seemed to have disappeared, and she spent her days immersed in the business she’d grown to love, taking care of her mum, playing with Jasper, and seeing Mark, who was turning out to be quite the romantic. She had friends she enjoyed spending time with, and even the guys who worked for her had come to enjoy her company. For the first time in her life, she felt like part of the world instead of someone outside it.
She was a better person, and she knew, as sure as bricks were bricks, that she’d never lie, cheat, or steal again. On the contrary, she’d give instead of taking.
She’d been given a second chance at life. And it was all down to a bit of magic and some sliding doors.
Chapter Twenty-Four
A week passed, and there had been no talk of that night. Alex wondered if she’d dreamt it. But she remembered those kisses vividly and the feelings they’d given her. There was no mistaking the heat between them, the sense of expectation and desire that flared whenever they brushed against one another in passing, or when they were playing with the kids. She went to bed aching for Reece’s touch every night.
As usual, Reece took the children to bed and then Alex went to kiss them goodnight. When she came down, Reece had poured them some wine. She looked melancholic. Alex nudged her arm. “Gingerbread girl goes to the dentist. Dentist says, you have acute gingivitis.”
“Ha. Very funny. In the future…I do the dentist jokes.”
“Okay. So, what’s up?”
Reece’s shoulders slumped. “A few months ago, I gave Mum a birthday gift. It was a day’s pampering at Longheath.”
“Wow, you mean that beautiful spa hotel?”
“Yeah, that one. It’s for two people, and it’s next Friday. I hate spas, but I said I’d go with her and Dad said he would look after the children.”
“And?”
“I have a really big op on at the hospital. There’s a young girl who was involved in a traffic accident.”
Alex rubbed her hands together. “Sorry about the young girl, but would you like me to go instead?”
“Would you?”
“You bet.” Alex wiggled her eyebrows. “Does it involve a full body massage?”
Reece’s lips pursed, and she crossed her arms. “Facial and pedicure, that’s all.”
“I guess that’ll have to do.” She was pleased Reece was showing signs of jealousy, but she didn’t want anyone massaging her body other than Reece.
So, it was settled. Alex had grown to like Val and Keith, and she was pretty sure the feeling was mutual. They no longer interfered in her daily routine but were always there to help when called upon. Gemma’s parents called to check in every once in a while, but she hardly had to deal with them, busy as they were with what they were doing in Spain. And when Alex told them she was happy and that she and Reece were working things out, they’d pretty much gone away.
The spa day turned out to be fun. It was nice being pampered, and she and Val had a great day together. Because Reece was going to be late back, she suggested they go out for a meal in the evening, and said she’d pick Alex up from Val and Keith’s whilst they babysat the children. Since Val was driving, Alex took a change of clothes and changed at their place. She’d enjoyed the day of luxury but had to admit she’d also missed the kids.
Reece turned up at six forty-five. Considering she’d been working all day, she looked incredibly refreshed…and damned attractive.
As they got into her car, Reece said, “Sorry about this, but we’ll have to swing by the house first. I forgot my stupid phone and credit card.”
“Sure. Sorry, I haven’t got mine with me.”
“No problem.” Reece seemed happy and sang along to something playing on the radio. She pulled up in the driveway. “I might need help. I’ve no idea where I left my phone.”
Alex raised her eyebrows. The hall light was on, and she followed Reece into the kitchen. There were dozens of candles flickering, and the table was set up beautifully for two. Alex scanned the room and began to smile. There were masses of red roses scattered all around the room. She shook her head. “Wow. What’s this for?”
“I thought we’d have a date night.”
Alex felt her face burning. “How romantic.”
Reece laughed. “Yes, I can be at times. Sorry, not all the roses are real, only the ones in the vase.”
“It all looks beautiful. And we’re eating too?”
Reece pulled one of the chairs out, and Alex sat down. “Yes, Coquilles Saint-Jacques to begin, followed by filet mignon with a port wine reduction sauce, served with asparagus and dauphinoise potatoes, fol
lowed by cheese and biscuits.”
Alex made an appreciative sound. “Can we do this every week?”
“I don’t see why not…as long as I can do the same meal every time. It’s about all I know how to cook.”
Alex smiled. “Suits me.”
Reece put some background music on and served the appetiser. Alex complimented her on how beautifully it was done. She topped up the glasses with red wine and served the main course.
“This is all cooked to perfection. Are you thinking of giving up dentistry?”
“Definitely not. Now tell me about your spa day.”
Alex related all the details, and they chatted about how Reece had taken the day off to prepare for this evening.
After the cheese platter, Reece cleared away the debris then poured more wine. She couldn’t seem to sit still, and suddenly she dropped on one knee and held out a small box. She opened it up and pushed it toward Alex.
“Alex. Will you marry me?”
Alex gasped and slapped her hands against her cheeks. She’d never expected this. So much for taking their time to date. “Oh, my God.” She laughed nervously. “Aren’t…aren’t we already married?” Alex trembled. “Reece, it’s beautiful. But before I answer you, I have to know. Do you see me, as me?” She looked into Reece’s lovely eyes. “Have you fallen in love with me, or am I just a better version of the woman you knew?”
Reece set the ring on the table and took Alex’s hands in hers. “I can understand why you’d ask, but I promise you, it’s you I’m in love with, Alex. Your big heart, your laugh, your smile, the way you love my kids. It’s your openness and your sexiness, and everything in between.” She kissed the tops of Alex’s hands. “There are no ghosts, no shadows. I’m in love with you, and I’m so grateful for whatever magic gave you to me.”
It was all she needed to hear. Alex took the ring and looked at it. It was a beautiful diamond set in white gold. It didn’t matter. It could have been out of a Christmas cracker for all she was concerned. She blinked back her tears. “I love you too. Yes, I’d be honoured.”
Reece sighed, stood up, and slid the ring on Alex’s finger. It fit perfectly. “Thank you. You’re the woman I’ve always wanted.” She took Alex’s hands and pulled her into her arms.
She kissed her. It was a kiss that sent Alex to heaven and back, soft and gentle, then firmer. Her lips parted, and their tongues weaved together. United and whole. They danced, wrapped in each other’s arms with a Barbara Streisand song in the background.
Alex looked into Reece’s eyes. “There is a place for us. And I’ve found it.”
Reece kissed her again and led her to the sofa. She stroked Alex’s cheek. “I’d love to seduce you right here and now, and call me old fashioned or whatever, but I want to wait until we go on our honeymoon. I want to feel those butterflies in my stomach every time I see you. I want to hold onto the excitement. I want to be alone with you and know your body. I want to savour every moment and wake up in the morning together, not just go to bed now and everything be back to normal tomorrow.”
“Honeymoon?”
“Have you been to Florida?” Reece asked.
“Never. I’ve hardly travelled. I was always too busy with work.”
“The weather’s lovely in February. I’ve found this wonderful hotel.” She laughed. “It’s perfect for honeymooners, romantic and secluded.”
“Wow, you have been busy.” Alex liked the idea that Reece had given this so much thought.
Reece rubbed her chin. “How would you feel about having a week alone and then meeting up with the children and my parents in Orlando?”
Alex’s eyes widened. “You mean Disney World?” She jumped up and down on the sofa.
Reece crossed her arms. “I’m beginning to wonder about you. You’re more excited about Disney than getting married.”
Alex wiggled her eyebrows. “Hopefully, we’ll have our own rides before. Then we get another kind, too.”
“And hopefully, we can carry on having fun for the rest of our lives. Maybe we can start now.” Reece pulled her close and kissed her passionately. Her hand rested on Alex’s thigh and slowly travelled upwards. Then she stopped. “Resisting you is going to be torture.”
Alex closed her eyes and sighed deeply. “You made the rules.”
“True. But luckily, there’s only a few months to go. Anyway, technically, we’re still dating and getting to know each other.”
“Proper courting, eh?” She kissed Reece. “That’s what I love about you, you’re a big romantic softie. And sexy as hell too.” Thank God she hadn’t planned a June wedding. Any longer, and she’d be hammering Reece’s door down.
***
Before any of them knew it, Christmas and January had zoomed by in a flash. Alex loved every moment of the holidays; the presents, the hanging around watching movies…all of it. And throughout, the excitement of their ceremony and the plans for Disney seemed to occupy everyone’s minds. And then the day was upon them. It was only a small ceremony. Reece’s parents, and of course, Callum and Mattie, who were nearly as excited as they were. She didn’t invite Barry and Lulu. They weren’t her parents, and they hardly ever talked to each other. Alex was so happy that Faz was able to make it too, and she wondered just where she’d come from, though she didn’t ask. They held it at Cindy and Angie’s home and Cindy, as Reece’s best friend, conducted the ceremony. After lunch together, Reece’s mum and dad ran them to a hotel near the airport ready for their flight to Miami.
In their room, Reece poured some champagne. They clinked glasses.
Alex looked into Reece’s eyes. “This has been the happiest day of my life. I love you, Reece.”
Reece kissed her. “I love you in this world and any others there might be, and believe me, I plan to make every day as special as you are.” Reece bit her lip. “But right now, I want to see what’s under that dress.”
“Me. And I’m all yours, in whatever world we’re in together.”
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Desire, Love, Identity: with the National Justice Museum
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Times Past: Young at Heart with AGE UK
In Different Shoes: Stories of Trans Lives
Patriotic Voices: Stories of Service
From Surviving to Thriving: Reclaiming Our Voices
Don’t Look Back, You’re Not Going That Way
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Dee Griffiths and Ali Holah
Karen Klyne
Ray Martin
Valden Bush
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Table of Contents
Start
Internal Cover Page
By the Author
Reviews for Karen Klyne’s Works
Legalise
Acknowledgements
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
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